The Mercer Island Police Department arrested two young men and served search warrants at three Mercer Island homes on Wednesday, Oct. 6, in connection with several hate crimes committed in mid-September.

The suspects, both 17 years old, are allegedly responsible for three malicious harassment graffiti incidents that occurred on Sept. 14 at Island Park Elementary School and Sept. 17 at the Northwest Yeshiva High School and St. Monica Catholic Church.

Tips from the community assisted the Mercer Island Police Criminal Investigations Section with its follow-up investigation, which led to Wednesday’s arrests.

An 18-year-old Mercer Island man, who is wanted in connection with the incident, is still at large and supposedly is in another state.

During their search, police seized evidence that “appears to tie these individuals to the incident,” according to a statement by the MIPD released on Wednesday afternoon.

The department also found items that tie at least one of the suspects to other Mercer Island graffiti incidents dating back over the last few years, and evidence indicating that one of the suspects is involved in narcotics trafficking. Additional recovered items are awaiting further forensic processing.

Charges will be filed with the King County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.